I hear a lot of business owners telling other business owners to “fake it till you make it.” I know they mean well. And yes you do want to be seen as a confident, successful business owner, but at what cost? And does it really represent good business wisdom?

If all you’re doing is making sure you look the part and act the part with confidence, whether you’ve actually reached a level of success you want or not, that’s perfectly fine. But if you are acting the part by misrepresenting your, or your team’s, skills and level of expertise that’s NOT fine. It’s downright dishonest!

Are you a confident business owner? Do you know your worth and the value you bring to your clients? Do you act like the confident business owner you are, or do you stutter and hem haw around, second guessing your worth? How you see and represent yourself as a business owner will be how prospective clients (and other business owners) see you as well. Be the CEO of your business!

We are often our own worst enemy. Especially when it comes to our businesses and how we view ourselves as business owners.

You know that prospective client you speak with who sounds so excited about working with you?They ask all of the right questions and give all of the right answers, but just isn’t ready to commit right there during the discovery call?

As any savvy business owner would, you shoot off a quick email right after the call or first thing the next day, thanking them for their time, and telling them how much you enjoyed speaking with them.

What comes to mind when others think of you and your business? When they reflect back on doing business with you, or their association or interaction with you, does the word integrity come to mind? Or do they question your actions or think of their past dealings with you in a not so positive way?